| You may deal with the Group Panel
discussion assignment in one of two ways:
OPTION #1: DEBATE
Option 1 is to organize an actual debate on the
given topic (you may choose the topic from one of those provided at the
foot of this page, from one of those provided on the 'Major Speech' page,
or have a topic of your choice approved by the instructor ).
Debates, however, are more structured than 'Panels', and
require a rigorous adherence to the back-and-forth format of parliamentary
debating rules (see 'EXAMPLE of DEBATE FORMAT', below).
In class, you will form groups to debate an issue.
Your groups should contain 5 people, with 2 people evenly divided on two
sides, and a moderator to guide the proceedings. The
debate will last about 10 to 15 minutes (approx. 2 minutes per person), with an additional 2
minutes for audience questions.
Remember that opinions are nice, but evidence is what will
convince others of your view.
Choose your partners carefully. Try to include members in your group
who you may be able to assist. (Don't leave the shy members in a group on their own!)
Review the article on this site concerning Fallacies of Reasoning.
You do not necessarily have to take the side you believe in (often, it's
more fun to argue something in which you do not believe).
GROUP RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Choose a leader for the group.
The Group Leader will be responsible for the following:
a) Making an opening statement that summarizes your groups point of view. (Just points don't
present facts and evidence)
b) Moderate the debate, making sure that everyone speaks; control the 'wilder' members
c) Presenting points with facts and researched evidence (bring your research to quote from)
d) Consult with members to coordinate the gathering of evidence
e) If you have a member who's point is not clear, you will assist that member by
rephrasing the
point
2. In your groups, divide the potential points, taking into consideration the points the other side will
raise in response to your view point (ie. anticipate the opposing
views... don't just prepare 'rebuttal' on the spot; plan in advance).
Group Member Responsibilities:
a) research the rebuttal points chosen, using reputable sources (bring your research to quote from)
b) consider what the other side will be presenting and prepare evidence to refute their points
c) consult with members to coordinate the gathering of evidence
3. Discuss with the opposition the entire debate
format and the issues that will be covered, in order to ensure a smooth
flow (and an entertaining show, without pauses).
EXAMPLE of DEBATE FORMAT:
1. OPENING STATEMENT GROUP ONE
2. OPENING STATEMENT GROUP TWO
3a. GROUP 1 FIRST POINT
3b. GROUP 2 REBUTTAL
3c. GROUP 2 FIRST POINT
3d. GROUP 1 REBUTTAL
4a. GROUP 1 SECOND POINT
4b. GROUP 2 REFUTE
4c. GROUP 2 SECOND POINT
4d. GROUP 1 REFUTE
------UNTIL ALL POINTS ARE MADE
*CLOSING SUMMARY GROUP 1
*CLOSING SUMMARY GROUP 2 |
OPTION #2: PANEL DISCUSSION
Option 2 is to organize a panel discussion (of
the kind you see on 'Nightline' or other news programs) on the given topic (you may choose the topic from one of those provided at the
foot of this page, from one of those provided on the 'Major Speech' page,
or have a topic of your choice approved by the instructor).
Panels
can be very entertaining, as they do provide the kind of back-and-forth
attention to issues seen in debates, but provide a more informal
appearance, much like a keen and passionate discussion between two
interested groups of opponents. The trick here is to avoid chaos or,
conversely, dominance by a superior speaker-- that is, when a speaker
begins to talk, you must be careful not to tread on their lines, resulting
in a loud mish-mash of noise... conversely, an accomplished speaker
must be careful not to speak too much, monopolizing the allotted
time. Careful preparation and understanding of the dynamics of
your group will result in a balanced presentation that allows all speakers
to have equal time. You should select a 'moderator' (e.g. Charlie
Rose, Ted
Koppel, or John McLaughlin) to avoid chaos and guarantee equal time for
all.
Plan to
meet with your group (exchange email addresses and arrange
a meeting), at least once, to discuss how you will execute this
assignment, and to practice the presentation, in its entirety, at least
twice. You are accountable for all your members-- if a group member
who has agreed to participate does not take part in preparatory exercises
and rehearsals, and you feel that the group may suffer for this, you are
expected to report this in your group's peer evaluation (to be completed
during next week's class).
Your groups should contain 5 people, with 2 speakers on each
side of the issue, and a moderator to guide the proceedings. Pick a suitable issue to discuss in a panel format.
Within your
group, decide how best to split up the topic for presentation. Ensure that all members will be
presenting the same amount of material and ensure that there is no duplication of ideas. The
discussion will last about 15 minutes, with an additional 2 to 3 minutes for audience questions.
Organize how the topic will be presented: Have someone do an introduction (as well as present
information). Have some else prepare a conclusion (as well as present information). You may use a
brief video to highlight information, but the video should not be longer than
one minute.
Enlightening facts, experience and evidence is what will draw in your audience. Choose your
partners carefully.
Review the article in the text about Fallacies of Reasoning.
Inform your audience, at the beginning of the presentation, as to when you would like audience
questions. Questions usually will be best left to the end to ensure that all members get equal time
PLEASE NOTE: All
members must be present on these dates.
If for any reason a student cannot be in class for the debate, that
student must contact the instructor by e-mail prior to the debate date,
and provide a doctor's note; otherwise, no make up date will be allowed.
NB:
All participants are required to submit a Peer
Evaluation form, assessing the degree of participation of their
colleagues. This is a mandatory requirement.
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